NINTH GENERATION

Thomas SPITTEY was christened on 15 Sep 1687 in Rettendon, Essex.¹ Thomas' burial has not yet been found, it is not recorded in eithers Bower's Gifford nor Rettendon his two known Parishes of residence. It appears he died intestate as no Will has yet been found despite he being a Yeoman with several properties.

Thomas's first marriage was to Sarah EMMERSON of Vange whom he married at Nevenden, Essex in 1711¹. The marriage was by Licence issued by the Commissary Court of the Diocese of London for Essex as follows :-
"Thomas Spitty of Bowers Gifford aged about twenty three batchelor and Sarah Emmerson of Venge (Vange) aged about nineteen years single."
The marriage was subject to a Prenuptial Agreement (Essex Record Office ref :- D/DB/T442/3 )

Sarah's burial has not yet been confirmed as yet but she was dead within 2 years as Thomas re-married in March 1712/13. Sarah was a beneficiary in her father Thomas Emerson's will in 1704 in which he left her £600. Sarah's brother Matthew also left a will in 1718. There was obviously a dispute between the Thomas Spittey and the Matthew Emerson after the death of Sarah :- National Archives - Chancery Proceedings of 1717 - ref C9/1166/27

His second wife was Mary JAMES widow (nee SKILDER/SKELDER) whom he married in March 1712/13 at All Hallows Church London Wall¹. The marriage was by Licence issued by the Bishop of London's office as follows :-
" Thos Spittey of Bowers Essex aged about 26 years, widower and Mary James of Prittlewell Essex aged about 38 years widow... signed Thomas Spittey."
The marriage was subject to a Prenuptial Agreement.

Mary SKILDER was born about 1675 (from age on marriage licence above). She was buried on the 22 September 1743 in South Benfleet, Essex¹.

She was a beneficiary of her father's Will in 1695 and also in the will of John Malstaffe in 1686.

Mary's first marriage was to John JAMES. She had three children by that marriage : Thomas, Samuel & Mary. They are mentioned in the aforementioned prenuptial agreement as well as in Mary's Will.

Her second husband was Thomas SPITTEY as above.

Children were:

i. Thomas SPITTEY was christened on 19 Nov 1713 in Bowers Gifford, Essex¹.
1 ii. Ambrose SPITTY.

Mary's children by her first marriage to John James (as named in her will)
i. John JAMES
ii. Samuel JAMES. See his will.
iii. Mary JAMES. 1st marriage RUTTER, 2nd marriage BLACK. See her will.

Sources
1. Relevent Church Parish Register.